Trial Will Continue If He Misses Court Again – Judge Warns Ameyaw-Akumfi

The High Court in Accra has cautioned that it will proceed with the trial of former Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund (GIIF) Board Chairman, Prof. Christopher Ameyaw-Akumfi, even if he fails to appear with legal representation at the next hearing.

Presiding judge, Justice Audrey Kocuvi-Tay, issued the warning on Monday after Prof. Ameyaw-Akumfi appeared in court without his newly engaged lawyer, Yaw Boafo, who was reportedly unable to attend because he had not completed the necessary processes to officially assume representation.

Chief State Attorney, Sefakor Batse, noted that the prosecution’s first witness was ready to testify and raised concerns about delays in the case.

Prof. Ameyaw-Akumfi and the former CEO of GIIF, Solomon Asamoah, are standing trial for allegedly causing financial loss to the state in relation to investments made toward the abandoned Sky Train project.

Disclosure Request Dismissed

At the last sitting, the defence requested the court to compel the prosecution to provide certain documents, including GIIF board and committee meeting minutes, arguing they were critical to showing the investment had received proper authorisation.

Lawyer Victoria Barth, representing Solomon Asamoah, moved the application, which was fully supported by counsel for Prof. Ameyaw-Akumfi, Duke Aaron Sasu.

Deputy Attorney-General, Dr. Justice Srem-Sai, opposed the request, arguing that the materials sought were not in the possession of state prosecutors or investigators.

Justice Kocuvi-Tay subsequently dismissed the application, explaining that the defence had not shown that the documents were in the custody of the prosecution. She advised that alternative legal channels were available should the defence seek to obtain the records.

The case has been adjourned to Wednesday, with the judge insisting that further absence or delay will not be tolerated.